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ON THE COVER Bullara Station, Ningaloo PHOTOGRAPH BY The Slow Road instagram.com/theslowroad_
CAB AUDITED AS AT SEPTEMBER 2023 IS 756,763 HOUSEHOLDS AUSTRALIA POST ISSN NO 0810 8285
The opinions contained in this publication may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. Advertisements in Horizons are the responsibility of the advertiser. No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RAC accepts no liability for them. Any rewards or rights provided to a member cannot be transferred, assigned, sold or redeemed for cash. Inclusion of a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. OUR PLASTIC WRAPPER IS BIODEGRADABLE. PLEASE PLACE IN YOUR GENERAL WASTE BIN.
As a member of RAC, we’d like to thank you.
Your membership helps us drive real change through advocating for safer roads, speeds, vehicles and drivers.
It also means we can deliver ground-breaking projects like the RAC Air Health Monitor, which helps our understanding of changes in air quality.
And every year, your membership helps us teach over 50,000 school children how to stay safe around roads. Together, we’re ensuring WA’s future drivers learn the importance of road safety.
Discover more about the ways your membership benefits WA.
Too many people are killed or seriously injured on WA’s unforgiving rural roads. This is why regional road safety has been, and continues to be, one of RAC’s highest priorities.
The WA Government’s Regional Road Safety Program is already helping address this challenge through low-cost safety upgrades. This is a crucial initiative which RAC has long supported.
However, it only solves part of the problem as it is almost entirely focused on the state road network (regional highways). RAC argues that more attention needs to be paid to local regional roads, where half of the crashes causing death or serious injury occur.
What is urgently needed is a new initiative tailored specifically to these roads.
That is why RAC, in partnership with the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) and with support from Main Roads WA, is proposing a
program of low-cost safety treatments to over 8200km of high speed sealed local government roads.
Upgrades would include line marking, sealed shoulders and rumble strips (among other treatments). These treatments are proven to reduce the kinds of crashes that devastate families and communities.
RAC and WALGA are now calling for the WA and Australian Governments to co-fund these life-saving initiatives, which are estimated to cost $552 million.
Early modelling shows investment could save 138 people from being killed and 489 from being seriously injured over 30 years. It would also help achieve important progress towards state and national road safety strategy targets.
Over the past few years there has been significant progress to improve the safety of our rural roads. We now have an important opportunity to harness this momentum and expand the focus to more roads, in more places, to save more lives.
Allan Blagaich
RAC President
RAC Council
President
Allan Blagaich
Senior Vice President
John Driscoll
Vice President
Professor Donna Cross
Members of Council
Leanne Bishop
Jill Darby
Tony Evans
Roger Farley
Dalton Gooding
Kerry Harris
Kelly Hick
Sarah Kepert
Jody Nunn
Marie Redman
Jacqueline Ronchi
Jim Walker
I wanted to comment on in-car touch screens mentioned in the Your Feedback page of the last Horizons magazine. This one has always been a problem for me. Not in me using them (my car is over 10 years old) but in other people using them while driving. You can’t use phones in cars or touch them, so how would you, by law, be able to interact with a car’s touch screen while driving? Sami
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Terms and conditions on page 81. Published letters may be edited for style and length. While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.
We shared a story with our Facebook followers about what to do if you’re the first person on the scene of a crash.
First thing you can do right now is download the St John First Responder app and put it on the front screen of your phone so in an emergency you don’t need to look for it. Then show your kids how to use it so if you are ever unwell your children know what to do. Nadia Be alert for any dangers like fuel spills, fire and fallen power lines before approaching the scene and check all other traffic is diverted away. Chrissy
We had quite a terrifying experience turning onto a new, wide sealed road out of Quindanning in our van, which after quite some distance turned to gravel. We thought nothing of continuing as the road surface was good, obviously slowing down to watch for potholes. Suddenly the road changed to extreme corrugations, so much so that the microwave bolts came loose, and the microwave launched out of its space. There is no way of telling if a sealed road is suddenly going to become gravel. Usually, it is fairly obvious if it happens soon after turning off the main road as the vehicles coming the other way leave gravel stains on the bitumen but when it’s many kilometres down the road it is positively dangerous. Catherine
In our March-May edition we incorrectly stated that it is not an offence to obscure a number plate with a bicycle rack fitted to your vehicle or a bicycle being held in the rack. There is an exception to Regulation 120 (Preventing effective identification of number plate) of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 where a bicycle rack is fitted. However, there is still a requirement under Regulation 119 (Number plate to be fixed on vehicle) that “one number plate must be fixed and kept in a conspicuous place at the front of the vehicle, and the other must be fixed and kept in a conspicuous place on the back of the vehicle, in an upright position and so that the characters on the plates are clearly visible and legible during the daytime and at night.” When using a bicycle rack, the best way to comply with Regulation 119 is to fit an auxiliary plate.
As a member organisation, RAC is governed by a Council who are elected at an annual election by you, our members.
This important vote gives our voting members the chance to have a say in who represents them on the Council of WA’s largest member organisation.
Previously, our annual Council Election was via a paper ballot, but in 2023, we offered the option to vote online for the first time and it proved to be a huge success, with a 107 per cent increase in the number of votes received.
The ease of voting online appealed to a broad cross section of members, with increases in votes across all age groups, ensuring that a diverse range of members have a say in the direction of their club.
Offering the more sustainable option of online voting also saw 87 per cent less paper ballots printed.
Later this year, members will have the chance once again to have their say. If you’re an eligible voting member, we’ll contact you by email or post with your voting form for the 2024 RAC Council Election.
Welcome to your first official quarterly edition of Horizons magazine.
You’ll now receive Horizons as four annual seasonal editions – June-August, September-November, December-February and March-May.
In addition to the content you already enjoy in the magazine, we’ll be producing an expansive amount of Horizons content across channels such as YouTube, our social media platforms and website, to give you a deeper experience of many topics covered in the magazine.
We hope you continue to enjoy your member magazine as we extend more of the content you value into different digital formats and also, importantly, reduce our environmental footprint.
The Royal Automobile Club of W.A. (Incorporated) (RAC) has a governing body, the Council, which is elected by the voting members of RAC. Each year RAC calls for nominations to the Council from eligible members of RAC, who can commit their time and skills to RAC. For eligibility requirements to nominate for Council, please refer to the Club’s Rules and ByLaws on our website at rac.com.au/governance
If you are an eligible member with an interest in nominating for election to the Council please register your interest with CouncilElections@rac.com.au
Nominations to fill four vacancies on the Council of RAC open on Monday 1 July 2024 and close on Wednesday 31 July 2024. Subject to the Rules of the RAC, retiring members of Council are eligible for re-election.
Western Australia saw a big reduction in road fatalities in 2023, recording the second-lowest number of road deaths in the past decade, however the state’s fatality rate remains higher than the national average and higher than the rates in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
The biggest drop was in the number of deaths on regional roads, but crashes in the metropolitan area increased.
Across the state, a staggering 80 per cent of victims were male.
Source: Road Safety Commission, Western Australian Road Fatalities 2023 WA ROAD FATALITIES 2014-2023
Traffic controllers directing traffic at road works and at the site of other road disruptions, experience significant levels of abuse from road users who become frustrated by delays.
A report from the Australian Road Research Board found 54 per cent of road workers had experienced verbal or physical abuse from members of the public.
Crashes around the site of road works have also been found to increase by 32 per cent while works are in progress, creating a dangerous environment for traffic controllers, with 60 per cent reporting they have experienced a near miss.
Because traffic controllers have the legal authority to direct traffic in these zones, including slowing and stopping traffic, all road users are required to follow their directions.
When a driver or other road user fails to follow their reasonable directions, a road controller may report it to their supervisor or to the police.
In 2014, the Toyota Corolla wasn’t just Australia’s best-selling small car, it was the top seller out of all vehicle catagories. But by 2023 it was nowhere to be seen even among the list of top 10 selling new cars in Australia, overtaken by utes such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max.
Today no small cars – neither sedans nor hatches – make an appearance in Australia’s top 10 best sellers. Here we chart the decline of small car sales in Australia over the last decade.
Source: VFACTS
A dashcam can be a useful security aid for motorists, not just for capturing footage when the vehicle is in motion but also for detecting damage or break-ins when it is parked.
RAC Patrol Chris Humphreys has noticed increasing numbers of cars with dashcams installed but warns motorists to be mindful of the drain on the vehicle’s battery.
“Part of the reason people install them is to detect car park damage or theft, meaning the camera remains powered after the vehicle has been shut down. This constant power draw has to come from
somewhere and many are not realising that the power comes from the vehicle’s battery.”
Chris says the power draw on the battery can be equivalent to a small interior light, especially in systems that employ front and rear cameras.
“Many of us have experienced what happens when we leave an interior light on in our car. Depending on the size of the battery, 12 hours of leaving that light on can mean we need a jump start.”
If your battery has been discharged or partially discharged, recharge it as soon as practicable with a battery charger. Operating a battery in a partially charged
condition may lead to premature failure.
If you are considering installing a dashcam system in your car, look for one that has a low draw when in standby mode and when recording. There are also external battery packs available for those that utilise Parking Mode monitoring on their dashcam. These will take the strain off the main vehicle battery, thus not reducing its lifespan.
Once set up, adjust the motion sensitivity so it only records images of value, rather than too many false alarms. Driving the car at least every few days can also help, especially if the cameras have been operating frequently when the vehicle has been parked.
CHARGING
In total 29,579
Over the past 12 years, more than 90,000 secondary school students in WA have attended RAC bstreetsmart –a free youth road safety event.
In March this year, due to high demand from schools, we held two full-day events at RAC Arena.
This impactful presentation demonstrates the tragic consequences of road trauma and includes a live crash scene re-enactment, which is attended by real emergency services personnel.
Students also hear stories from those working on the frontline and from crash victims whose lives have been forever changed following a crash.
RAC bstreetsmart is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce road trauma in WA and is staged with the support of the WA Police Force, St John WA, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Royal Perth Hospital.
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ALTHOUGH RARE, THE INCIDENCE OF BATTERY FIRES IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES STILL HAS SOME PEOPLE WORRIED, SO WHAT ARE THE REAL RISKS?By Toby Hagon
Many parts of an electric vehicle (EV) are no different from those of a car powered by fossil fuels.
The seats, windscreen, steering and suspension systems and body panels are all identical to what we still call regular cars.
A key difference is that most EVs contain lithium-ion batteries, which, because of their relative newness, has resulted in them receiving added scrutiny. This in turn has resulted in them being a source of concern due to the type of blaze that results when they catch fire.
Of course, a liquid-fuelled car with a full fuel tank has a lot of stored energy as well. But over more than a century of building and living with cars powered by liquid fuels,
the associated risks have become better managed and more widely accepted.
In much the same way, major battery manufacturers and car makers put EV batteries through rigorous test procedures that simulate every climate and road scenario around the world, from arctic temperatures and sheeting rain to searing heat and high humidity across bitumen, snow, mud, dust, corrugations, and water crossings. They then test in the real world to verify the results.
Most EVs also have advanced battery management systems designed to monitor the temperature, voltage and performance of each cell, with safeguards while charging and discharging to minimise the chance of failure and faults.
MOST EVS ALSO HAVE ADVANCED BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS TO MINIMISE THE CHANCE OF FAILURE AND FAULTS.
Storing large amounts of energy often brings with it a fire risk. Whether it’s petrol, diesel or gas, these fuels all have the potential to catch fire and burn fiercely. But the large amounts of energy in the lithiumion batteries used in EVs make the issue bigger in an electric car than it is in our laptops and smartphones. EVs have hundreds of kilograms of batteries. Those batteries can not only catch fire but are also far more difficult to extinguish than other types of fires.
Emma Sutcliffe is the director of EV FireSafe, a research organisation that is funded by the Australian Department of Defence and has the support of car makers as well as emergency services around the country.
She says EV fires typically start following damage or a manufacturing defect.
“The risk of battery-firing increases with collision, submersion for extended periods in water - and that has to be days - or if it's been recalled by the manufacturer due to fire risk.”
Even then, the instances of fires from the battery of an electric vehicle are extremely low, according to statistics collated by EV FireSafe and research organisations from around the world.
EVs have advanced battery management systems designed to monitor the temperature, voltage and performance of each cell, with safeguards while charging and discharging to minimise the chance of failure and faults. They also adjust the temperature of the battery pack for efficiency and safety.
“The battery management systems in an electric car are smart,” says Sutcliffe. “The battery cells are incredibly high quality.”
She says in Australia there have been six electric vehicle battery fires since 2010. Considering there are almost 200,000 EVs on our roads, it’s a lower number than some news reports may have you think.
“One was an arson attack. One incident was two Teslas in a garage and in both of those incidents the garage had burnt down around the cars and taken the cars with them. And then we've had a high-speed collision, and the most recent one where it ran over the tail shaft of a truck.”
The low numbers gel with others from research agencies around the world, including the UK-based not-for-profit Thatcham Research, which stated in a 2023 report:
“The risk of fire increases with vehicle age for all fuel types in the UK, but the analysis shows that EV fires are less common than petrol and diesel car fires even when taking vehicle age into account.”
Like any battery, lithium-ion batteries have a cathode and anode and electrolyte to carry electrons between them. It’s that electrolyte (typically a liquid or gel) in a single battery cell that can cause issues when it gets hot.
According to Sutcliffe the electrolyte can vapourise “and that's highly toxic and highly flammable”.
A damaged battery exposed to the elements can also create its own hydrogen and oxygen, which is one reason lithium-ion batteries can flare up under water. With
“WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO CHANGE OUR WAY OF THINKING AND HOW WE MANAGE THESE INCIDENTS.”
thousands of cells in an EV, the problem can soon spread.
“The heat is so much that the cells next to it will start to heat up as well,” says Sutcliffe.
“So then the next cell goes and then the next cell goes and so on, which we call thermal propagation.” It’s often referred to as thermal runaway.
Thermal runaway is “an unstable chemical process,” explains Sutcliffe and in most instances, it occurs as a result of damage.
“You're typically having to do some pretty major damage to that battery for it to go into thermal runaway,” says Sutcliffe, explaining that once it happens, heat is the enemy.
“What happens is a battery cell short circuits and starts to heat up. Once it reaches roughly 160 degrees (Celsius)
then basically we're at the point of no return.”
She says there can be a noise like a gunshot or hissing, which are some of the early signs that thermal runaway may be occurring. Sutcliffe says thermal runaway can be unpredictable and last for hours or days.
As a former firefighter, she says the processes of extinguishing fires are usually familiar.
“We put the wet stuff on the red stuff, and it goes out,” she says.
But fire departments are having to think differently with electric vehicles.
“We're going to have to change our way of thinking and how we manage these incidents.”
The gases emitted by a lithiumion battery fire are more toxic to humans and animals than some other types of fires.
While fire fighters will use breathing apparatus at the scene, such protections aren’t available to bystanders.
“We know that the early off-gassing from lithium-ion batteries is very toxic,” says Sutcliffe.
Fortunately, thermal runaway in EV batteries is uncommon, to the point where Sutcliffe says it’s difficult to instigate in a test environment.
“When you talk to people who are doing testing with cars, the conversation has been how do we get it to go into thermal runaway?”
She says even with heat and mistreatment it’s difficult to induce thermal runaway in an EV.
But in the unlikely event that you do find yourself close to an EV fire, the general advice is to get upwind of it immediately and get well clear of it.
What precautions are required?
None of which means we should ignore the potential risk with EV battery fires. But this is where common sense again comes into play.
In short, Sutcliffe says if an EV has been damaged –particularly its battery pack – be wary.
“If you've been in a collision don't charge it up. Don't come home after a flooding event and try to put your car on charge or drive it.”
But, equally, don’t panic. EVs have high quality batteries and sophisticated management systems that mean they can be left on charge for days.
“The chances of [a fire] happening spontaneously are so low,” says Sutcliffe. “We typically don't see the kind of fireball that people like to make out on social media.”
Hearing loss, as most of us know, can be very debilitating and is often the reason behind social isolation, whether through being left out, or choosing to stay away from noisy environments where it would be just too di cult to join in.
My name is Garry and I have been a patient of Brad Hutchinson Hearing for more than ten years. I rst sought help from this company because of my gradual hearing decline due to industrial noise exposure su ered while working with trucks and bobcats. There is also a likely contribution due to the ageing factor. Along with hearing loss, I also su er from a common ailment known as tinnitus which I understand is often an o shoot of hearing loss. I nd this condition extremely annoying as it tends to disrupt my day-to-day living, replacing my sense of
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It’s not just long road trips that are a danger to fatigued drivers, even the trip to the office or the school drop-off can be risky after a night of poor sleep.
Your mind begins to wander, and the scenery begins to blur. Perhaps you find yourself shifting in the driver’s seat. Maybe the car feels a little warm — just enough to make you yawn. Your body starts the plunge from alert to relaxed… to asleep.
It’s the deadly decline of driver fatigue, a factor that is difficult to measure but which police suspect contributes to at least 20 per cent of fatalities and at least 10 per cent of serious injuries on WA roads. Although most drivers think it is unacceptable to drive when you know you are too tired, a majority admit they have done this at least once.
In 2022, 196 people were killed or seriously injured on WA roads where fatigue was suspected as a factor in the crash. And the more tired you are, the higher the risk.
The Road Safety Commission says driving after 17 hours awake is the equivalent of travelling with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05. Driving after being awake for 24 hours is like having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10, reducing your vigilance and coordination and increasing your reaction times.
The Sleep Health Foundation estimates that 60 per cent of Australians have at least one chronic sleep symptom, including trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early and not being able to get back to sleep. About half believe their daily routine doesn’t give them enough time for sleep.
Yet many people are unaware of the serious danger they pose on the roads when tired, according to fatigue risk management specialist Dr Nicholas Mabbott. This is in part because people overestimate their ability to manage fatigue. Instead of waiting to stop once they get tired, he says the key is to stop before tiredness occurs.
“If you ask people to imagine they are going to stop their vehicle and take a break because they are fatigued, and then ask how they are feeling at that point, the overwhelming majority will say ‘I'm falling asleep’,” he says.
“But that indicator comes way too late. My research in a driving simulator shows that up to 40 minutes before falling asleep, the reaction time of the driver is terrible.
“If something jumps out in front of the car, they will hit it because their reaction time has gone out by three to four seconds, and they simply aren’t making good decisions.”
Dr Mabbott has worked alongside police in analysing fatal crashes and is now a consultant through his business Beyond Midnight, working with industry groups and major employers on avoiding the risk of sleep-related incidents.
He says many drivers assume they will be fine for at least two hours on the road — something reinforced by many safety campaigns — but the fastest fatiguerelated crash he’s seen came just 5 minutes and 35 seconds into a journey.
“People think you have to drive for a long time before you drive tired. We have it all wrong.”
Instead of the term fatigue, Dr Mabbott prefers to talk about three stages of driver impairment: tired driving, drowsy driving and sleepy driving, exacerbated by poor sleep, shift work, sleep interruptions and other medical issues like sleep apnoea.
Tired driving is the most common experience, and even though the body would like a break, many drivers are determined to push on.
At this stage, you might feel your eyes becoming a little heavy, the road becomes monotonous and you can feel a bit bored, he says. Even simple decision-making can begin to break down.
“We are all time-poor and that means
we make irrational decisions, like being unable to judge the gap in traffic properly or errors about speed,” Dr Mabbott says.
“I’ve got a golden rule that if I’ve ever slept five hours or less, I won’t drive the next day and if everyone did that, we would see an immediate drop in crash incidence. Even if you get six hours of sleep you will be impaired, though, so I like to drive on 7.5 hours of sleep on average.”
The second stage of fatigue, drowsy driving, pits the driver against a body desperate to remove the toxins that can build up during waking hours. Just as thirst signals dehydration, drowsiness is a signal that your body desperately needs rest.
“At this stage, if someone videoed you and played it back, you wouldn’t even believe these are your driving manoeuvres,” he says.
“A simple walk around won’t fix things now. You’re drowsy because your body wants you to catch up on sleep so why don’t you help it? Find a safe, secure spot, walk around a little bit, then get in the back seat, lock the doors and have a 20-minute nap. Get up, and you should be okay for another hour or two.”
Dr Mabbott describes the third stage of impairment as sleepy driving, where a driver may actually fall asleep momentarily – known as a microsleep – which puts them at a high risk of crashing.
“Please don’t get to this level but if you do, [take nothing less than] a 20-minute nap, and if you don’t feel good after that, you shouldn’t get back behind the wheel,” he says. “Contact someone to come and get you home safe.”
What is critical to understand about tired driving is that it can affect anyone — no driver is immune to the effects of poor sleep — but some groups show higher levels of risk.
Young and inexperienced drivers, for example, often underestimate how tired they are, tend to continue driving even when feeling tired, and may actually be more vulnerable to the effects of sleepiness than older and more experienced drivers.
Shift workers, whose body clock has been disrupted, are at a higher risk of a fatiguerelated crash, with the risk especially high when travelling home from work.
People experiencing significant life changes or stressors may also be more vulnerable to high levels of fatigue, such as those experiencing the death of a loved one or the diagnosis of a chronic health condition.
New parents are another group at threat, with studies finding that broken sleep and inefficient sleep (being in bed but not able to sleep) can reduce reaction time and lead to driver impairment. An Australian systematic review in this area included
the finding that as many as half the trips taken by parents six weeks after the birth of a baby are by a driver with high levels of fatigue.
Truck drivers are also a key target of road safety campaigns, with a quarter self-reporting that they feel fatigued on the roads every day, with risks higher among those who get paid by the distance they travel.
Curbing the risk of tired driving is a key plank of road safety strategies and one option might lie in better in-vehicle detection systems.
Known as Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) or Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning systems (DDAW), they are designed to monitor driver behaviour, using cameras and other sensors to capture and analyse information about the driver’s expression, head posture, eye area and movements.
The European Union has mandated these systems for all new vehicles starting from next year. RAC would like to see these systems considered for inclusion in the Australian Design Rules, our national standards for road vehicle safety. Technology, such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist, can also help to prevent fatigue-related crashes, underscoring the importance of choosing a modern car with a 5-star safety rating.
Other countries are also experimenting with wearable wrist watches that can directly measure biometric signs, such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation and skin temperature.
The WA Government is currently rolling out its Regional Road Safety Program, an initiative delivering effective, lowcost safety treatments such as sealing shoulders and installing audible edge lines and centrelines across the state’s regional road network. These can help prevent fatigue-related crashes by giving drivers audio-tactile feedback if their vehicle starts to drift out of the lane and by giving them more space to recover their vehicle before it leaves the sealed surface.
For the vast majority of drivers, though, small changes in behaviour are an immediate way to reduce risk, says Dr Mabbott, particularly when drivers shift into holiday mode.
“When you look at holiday driving, everyone is up late the evening before packing, there’s a degree of being anxious and we tend to get to bed late,” he says. “Then we set off early to beat the traffic, driving on too little sleep, and an hour or so into the drive the family has all fallen asleep, leaving the driver to their own devices.”
He urges drivers to ensure they get a full night’s sleep before climbing behind the wheel and puts the onus on passengers to do the right thing, keeping the driver awake and engaged.
“When a passenger falls asleep next to them, it increases the driver’s risk,” he says. “If I’m your passenger, I’m going to engage you in conversation, keep you alert, and if you are starting to look tired, I’m going to insist we stop and take a break and then I’ll take over.
“It’s remarkable how often in fatigue crashes the driver had the option of swapping but didn’t. Your brain dumbs down to the point where you don’t want to change and just push on. Have a journey management plan, schedule in breaks, and plan to swap drivers when you do.”
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As any morning commute will demonstrate, Australians still love their cars.
AUSTRALIA HAS LONG HAD ONE OF THE HIGHEST CAR OWNERSHIP RATES ON THE PLANET, BUT THERE’S AN
Some people are slowly steering away from the idea that travelling by car means owning a private vehicle — and that shift has enormous implications for the way we live.
New ways of working, the soaring cost of living and changing social dynamics mean having a second or third car is no longer as critical for households, opening the door to a range of other transport options.
From rideshare services like Uber to short-term subscriptions, private sharing or hour-by-hour rentals, the options for people who want an alternative to car ownership have grown.
As any morning commute will demonstrate, Australians still love their cars.
According to the OECD we have 580 passenger cars for every 1000 people, putting Australia 9th in the world behind countries including Lichtenstein, Germany and Finland. That’s around 100 more cars per 1000 than you would find in the UK or Canada.
In fact, according to the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census, 91 per cent of
households owned at least one vehicle, and more than half (55.1%) owned two or more.
But car ownership is not uniform. Across the country, nearly one in five single-person households reported not owning a car at all, roughly the same proportion as among people who live in flats or apartments.
The Census also found among households in Perth city in 2021, that 11.8 per cent reported not owning any vehicles, a rate far lower than Adelaide city (30.8%), inner Brisbane (21.4%), Melbourne city (45.3%) and Sydney inner city (38.3%).
For some groups, though, the idea of giving up a car remains a big step.
“Australians are very attached to their vehicles,” says Stacey Ryan, policy officer with ITS Australia, the peak body for advanced transport technology in Australia.
“People often see their car as an extension of their private space.
Swapping out vehicles is a psychological shift and the research finds that people massively underestimate how much a car really costs them and tend to inflate how much public transport and other options cost instead.”
The cost of car ownership is a primary reason people give up the keys.
RAC’s 2023 Car Running Costs Survey found that even the cheapest small vehicle — the Hyundai i30 — can cost $950 a month to own and run, when you factor in items such as registration, insurance, fuel, tyres and servicing and a car loan.
There are also other, less obvious costs of car ownership, though. Planning rules mean a minimum number of off-street parking bays must be provided for each new residential dwelling, including apartments, to ensure parked cars don’t fill up streets. But that cost adds up, contributing between $50,000 and $100,000 to the price of some dwellings.
An RMIT study of apartments in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney estimates Australians are spending as much as $6 billion on unused apartment parking, and calls for the ‘unbundling’ of car bays from the dwellings, so that people who choose not to own a car could forgo a bay and pay less.
“When people rent or purchase an apartment, they're typically allocated car parking whether it’s wanted or
not, and we have a lot of apartment households out there,” says Dr Chris De Gruyter, a senior research fellow from RMIT’s Centre for Urban Research.
“You might have one car, but you’re given two spaces, or you might have no car and still have a space. In Perth, around 17 per cent of all parking in apartment buildings goes unused.”
Given a parking bay, Dr De Gruyter says many people choose to fill it.
“We found that one additional parking space can increase the likelihood of having two or more cars compared to zero cars by around 10 times,” he says. “It can absolutely induce car ownership.”
Buses and trains remain the most familiar alternatives to private car ownership but have their challenges.
Travelling between two suburbs on public transport can sometimes mean a leisurely meander on a bus or multiple changes on the way – neither as convenient as a car.
Public transport is also less practical for a shopping trip with multiple bags, when transporting heavy goods, or if ferrying around children. That’s where the option of borrowing or sharing cars can fill the gap for these trips.
Ride sharing and car sharing
On-demand ride sharing is the best understood of sharing models, with drivers hiring someone to drive them point-to-point. In a field dominated by Uber, ride share still represents just one per cent of trips, according to Uber’s own research.
Putting idle cars to work is also the mission of car sharing app Turo — which takes a different approach to the problem.
A bit like Airbnb for your vehicle, it wants to connect those people who need a car with those whose second or third vehicle is lazing around in the driveway.
Each car on the platform is owned by a ‘host’, who can accept bookings via the Turo app. Borrowers look for a car they want, at a suitable price and location, and can book it for a set price per day.
“Car ownership for many Australians is expensive and an inefficient use of resources,” says Tim Rossanis, vice president and managing director of Turo Australia.
“Aussies who might use public transport to get to work and leave their cars idle for a few days out of the week present the perfect use case for car sharing, as a means to access vehicles on an
as-needed basis, reducing the need for individual car ownership.
“We typically see three types of hosts on Turo: consumer hosts who share one or two cars with the goal of offsetting car ownership costs, small business hosts who typically share three to nine cars to generate secondary income and pay for life’s expenses, and professional hosts who typically share 10 or more cars, often as their primary income source.”
Individual car sharing addresses some of the challenges but to achieve bigger gains, it needs to be offered at scale.
Car share schemes formalise the process and, depending on the scheme, cars can be returned to the location where they were borrowed or left at the destination to be made available to other drivers. Borrowing times can be as short as an hour.
“These schemes offer a lot of flexibility,” says RMIT’s Dr De Gruyter. “You don't need to visit an office to get keys, as they are usually inside the car, and you use a lock box or swipe card to gain access.
“If a parking space can cost $50,000 in an apartment, you can imagine it wouldn't cost much to fund a car sharing
membership for each resident and give them some driving credit as an incentive not to own a car.”
Perth company Mojo Car Share works with commercial building owners, apartment developers and universities to offer electric vehicle sharing.
“Our typical market is a community with a shortage of parking, such as an office tower, where you might have two or three thousand people, or a retirement village where you might have a few hundred,” says Mojo Car Share director Alistair Richardson.
“Studies have shown that in major cities with citywide car sharing programs in place, one share car can reduce the need for up to 15 vehicles on the road.”
As the idea of private ownership becomes disrupted, car dealerships are also needing to shift to adapt. Through software platforms such as Loopit and Carly, traditional dealerships and car makers themselves can offer cars by subscription with a much shorter minimum commitment than a lease — usually a month or more — at a rate that is competitive with the weekly cost of ownership.
Dealers can also develop their own solutions. SwitchCars is part of the John Hughes network and offers subscribers a near-new or new vehicle off the dealer floor. For a 2023 MG3 Auto, for example, subscriptions start at $174 a week for a minimum of two months for drivers who travel no more than 250km a week, with costs rising for each extra kilometre.
Such technology also opens the door for other operators to get into the car business, from fleet owners who can put surplus vehicles out for subscription to less traditional entrants, like energy providers packaging EVs alongside home batteries and energy services.
These kinds of shifts are exciting, says Stacy Ryan from ITS Australia, but as a growing number of groups take a stake in how people move, it illustrates why it is important to keep talking.
“The technology base in the transport sector has expanded wildly and it is all around new mobility, more sustainable solutions, inclusivity, equity, and obviously, the baseline of safety,” she says.
“Collaboration and early engagement with the community, legislators and planners is a vital component — it can't just be an afterthought.”
Experience the mighty waterfalls of the Kimberley coastline in full flow after the annual “big wet” season. Our classic 10-night voyage explores this rugged land carved by the powerful forces of nature. Thrilling rides through Horizontal Falls, showers under King Cascade, ancient rock art, crocodiles basking on rock ledges – this is a truly Australian adventure. Offer available on selected departures and staterooms during May and June 2024.
8 Nights | Adelaide to Melbourne | 1 Dec 2024
Sample wild harvested Abalone and local wines on Kangaroo Island. Indulge in the best lobster in Robe and explore this heritage port. Discover the world of fungi and taste artisanal produce direct from the growers on the Limestone Coast.
8 Nights | Melbourne to Hobart | 9 Dec 2024
This journey is tailored for adventurous food and wine enthusiasts eager to explore Tasmania’s culinary shores, immersing yourself in breathtaking scenery and exclusive events featuring local producers.
There are few destinations that spark travel wanderlust quite like East Antarctica. From penguins, whales and seals to icebergs and glaciers, see the southern continent and re-live the stories of those who first navigated it in 6-star ultra-luxury on a Scenic Eclipse Expedition Voyage.
Highlights And Inclusions
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Navigating from the seaside idyll of Athens to the iconic ‘City of Canals’, this 15-day voyage tours the Mediterranean. After passing through the Corinth Canal, discover the archaeological site of Delphi and the inaugural stone temples of Athena and Apollo. Sample local produce or stroll the perimeter of Kotor’s ancient city walls.
Highlights And Inclusions
EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences
41 meals included with complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks and selected cocktails
The service of an Emerald Cruises Shore Excursion Manager Includes a Welcome and Farewell Reception and Dinner
Experience the beauty of New Zealand on a Signature Mid-Size Group Tour with Grand Pacific Tours. Enjoy the Premium Economy Comfort of a full-size coach, touring with a mid-size group of up to 32 travellers, fully escorted.
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Asking a potential new friend out for a coffee can be a daunting experience, especially later in life.
For many people, as their focus shifts from family responsibilities and career development into the new phase of midlife, there are often fewer opportunities to connect with others.
One WA organisation has proven that those valuable connections don’t have to
stop after your kids leave home and your career is well established.
By Lisa CookConnected Women is a community for women over 50 looking for meaningful friendships, fun experiences and an opportunity to learn new skills. After launching in Perth less than two years ago, the group already has more than 800 members, has expanded into Melbourne and Sydney, and plans to roll out
across the rest of the country by the end of the year.
From high teas and tennis lessons to pasta making and Spanish classes, the organisation hosts more than 200 events a month for women to discover new hobbies, start a side hustle, or just ‘do coffee’.
“Through our research, we found that up to 20 per cent of women don’t have one really good friend that they can turn
to for support,” says Phoebe Adams, founder of Connected Women. “Our mission is to help women find friends that they can rely on.”
“It’s critical at any age, but it’s even more critical at this age because women tend to have more time and a smaller network. We want to help them grow their support base and find people that they want to do really great, fun things with.”
“There were lots of little lightbulb moments in the workshop where I thought, ‘I could do that’."
We know from the feedback we receive from a broad crosssection of members, that many of them are becoming less familiar with the maintenance of modern cars.
That’s why we teamed up with Connected Women and invited their members to a workshop that covered the basics, to help empower them to take charge of their vehicle’s maintenance.
In the workshop, two of our Roadside technicians, Chrissy and April, gave demonstrations in one of our Auto Services centres, including diagnosing common car problems, what to do in a breakdown, handy products to have at home and how to decipher dashboard warning lights.
The women also had the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and do what many previously thought was best left to someone with more experience—change a tyre themselves.
Participant Cheryl Kent
surprised herself by completing the toughest part of the tyre-changing challenge—loosening the lug nuts using just a wrench and her own strength.
“Changing the tyre was just the best thing because I’ve done a lot of country driving and been caught out twice with flat tyres. I had to wait for help and felt very vulnerable and scared, but now I would just change it myself,” Cheryl says.
“There were lots of little lightbulb moments in the workshop where I thought, ‘I could do that’. I feel a lot more confident and on a high.”
Technicians Chrissy and April showed the group how to replace windscreen wipers and windscreen fluid, how to check tyre tread, top up engine oil, and shared the common mistakes to avoid when it comes to car maintenance.
“Chrissy and April have so much experience and instilled confidence in a subtle, laidback way," Cheryl says.
“I learnt so much. They took the difficulty away from it and made it a really safe place with no judgement—no question was too silly.”
Connected Women’s Phoebe Adams says being able to learn skills, such as car maintenance, is important in making women feel independent and empowered.
“You want to feel like you have the confidence to know what you’re talking about, and how to change a tyre is something that’s really daunting for a lot of women.
“A lot of what we do [at Connected Women] is about empowering women to try new things, learn skills that they otherwise would have felt were out of their comfort zone and make them feel like, ‘I can do this’.”
After the workshop, the group of women continued their car conversation over a long table lunch together
with Chrissy and April before saying goodbye to their newfound friends.
Connected Women welcomes women throughout WA to join its fast-growing community, with an online platform, member perks and both online and face-to-face events.
“Don’t hesitate. Anything in life is hard for the first time but it’s a sisterhood and everyone is super friendly,” Cheryl says.
Phoebe says the Connected Women network is a warm and nurturing environment where every woman belongs.
“If anyone is looking for more friends, more things to fill their diary with, more fun, more joyful experiences, then come to Connected Women, because honestly, there’s no better place for it.”
To find out more, visit connectedwomen.com.au
Learn the basics of car maintenance with our roadside mechanics
Chrissy and April, including how to:
Do a basic car maintenance check
Change a tyre
Check tyre tread
Check tyre pressure and inflate a tyre
Check and top up engine coolant
Refill wiper fluid
Highlights & Inclusions
• All accommodation, meals and beverages for the duration of the tour
• Travel aboard a custom 4WD Mercedes-Benz with a Tour Driver/Guide
• Enjoy a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park
• Immerse yourself in the world’s oldest surviving culture
• View exquisite rock art at Mt Borradaile and visit the ancient catacombs
• Experience authentic cultural activities with Indigenous guides
• Explore the incredible wetlands of the Cooper Creek Billabong and Yellow Waters
Highlights & Inclusions
• All accommodation, meals and beverages for the duration of the tour
• Travel aboard a custom 4WD Mercedes-Benz with a 2-person crew
• Experience the Southern ‘Lost City’ in Limmen National Park on a scenic helicopter flight and guided ground tour
• Travel the Savannah Way and stay at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
• Take a guided tour through the lava tubes at Undara Volcanic National Park
• Cruise along the Gulf of Carpentaria at sunset while enjoying dinner
• Travel through the Atherton Tablelands and visit Millaa Millaa Falls
• 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy
• Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
• Explore the outback town of Alice Springs and the unusual underground town of Cooper Pedy
• Transfer from Adelaide Parklands Terminal to hotel
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Adelaide including breakfast daily
• Northern Barossa Valley Voyager tour, including lunch
• Discover the history of the Barossa Valley
• Enjoy cellar door tastings and a restaurant lunch
Highlights
• 3 nights aboard the Great Southern, Brisbane to Adelaide, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Coffs Harbour, the Hunter Valley region and Melbourne or regional Victoria
• Enjoy a special beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour
• Savour the flavours and sights of the picturesque Hunter Region
• Immerse yourself in cosmopolitan Melbourne or regional Victoria
• Day at leisure in Adelaide
• 2 nights aboard the Indian Pacific, Adelaide to Perth, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Cook and Rawlinna
• Witness the barren beauty of the Nullarbor Plain
Start planning your next escape anywhere in WA, whether it’s chasing the sun up north or a cosy winter getaway down south, with up to 33% off at RAC’s holiday parks and resorts. You can get three nights for the price of two on sites in Cervantes or stay four nights but only pay for three in Esperance.
In Busselton, self-contained cabins are on offer from just $99 per night when you stay two nights or more.
And there are many more special offers at RAC’s parks and resorts in Broome, Margaret River, Esperance, Karri Valley and Monkey Mia. But be quick - the offer ends soon.
To pick your next getaway, check out our latest offers at parksandresorts.rac.com.au/special-offers
Terms and conditions apply.
Western Australia’s massive 12,500km coastline is dotted with an enormous number of uninhabited islands. If you’re planning a visit to Exmouth, take the opportunity to see some of that unspoilt island beauty for yourself.
The Muiron Islands group lies in a World Heritage-listed marine park approximately 15km off the North West Cape near Exmouth and offer some of the region’s most spectacular snorkelling and diving. The waters here are alive with marine life, including manta rays,
whales, dugongs and giant potato cod. There are colourful coral shelves and coral bommies to explore. Nearby on Sunday Island you’ll find many of the same marine wonders.
The Muiron and Sunday islands can be visited on a daytrip from Exmouth with either the Exmouth Diving Centre or Dive Ningaloo. Both offer diving and snorkelling tours to the islands. Cape Immersion also offer snorkelling tours. The tours operate yearround but the best time to visit is between March and October.
WA Wildlife, which features the state’s busiest wildlife hospital, is giving you the chance to go on a special behind-the-scenes tour to see the amazing work its staff and volunteers do caring for WA’s sick and injured wildlife. Through viewing windows, you’ll see what’s going on in the surgery, treatment room and wards, while learning more about the animals and the work of the team at the hospital.
After the viewing, you’ll also get to meet some of the resident
With some of WA’s tallest trees, the South West’s Gloucester National Park is the ideal location for WA’s newest high ropes course.
Aerial Adventure Pemberton opened late last year, offering a multi-level treetop experience among the karri trees, with a high ropes course and a glide-line course featuring a 100m flying fox. At the highest point you’ll be 25m off the ground, high up in the lush tree canopy.
There are four different courses suited to different age groups, capabilities, and fitness levels. With an Ultimate entry pass you can do all of the courses as many times as you like.
Aerial Adventure Pemberton is on Burma Road, Pemberton and is open daily between 9am and 5pm with the last entry at 3pm.
animals in the native fauna display, including Banjo and Bindi the Alpine dingos, Vinnie the wombat, the friendly emus, possums, and many different native birds and reptiles.
WA Wildlife’s resident animals are wildlife ambassadors, who educate the community on the importance of wildlife conservation.
WA Wildlife is on Hope Road in Bibra Lake. To find out more and to book your tour, visit wawildlife.org.au
All funds raised support the treatment and rehabilitation of wildlife at the WA Wildlife Hospital.
In 2022, the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) published a scathing report about Australia’s caravan manufacturing industry. As part of that report, a survey commissioned by the ACCC found that 80 per cent of caravan owners had experienced a fault of some kind after purchasing their caravan.
Western Australia has always had a strong caravan club culture and today there are more than 30 different clubs across the state.
Some are dedicated to specific caravan brands, while others cater to various interests and lifestyle segments, such as family-focused clubs and those that are pet-friendly.
Members find that being in a club motivates them to make more frequent use of their caravan.
In addition to providing opportunities for group travel and events, clubs also offer a supportive environment for members and access to information
Many owners who had gone on to make a warranty claim had found their warranties were misleading or deliberately vague. This was of particular concern for those who purchased caravans that had been sold as having some degree of off-road capability.
Consumers should be wary of caravans being marketed as being fit for some off-road conditions. Before you buy, be sure you understand a caravan’s true off-road
and knowledge to help make travel safer and more enjoyable.
The Association of Caravan Clubs Western Australia represents the state’s 34 caravan clubs and has information and contact details for each so you can find the club that best suits you.
If you’d like to know more about the benefits of joining and the types of activities on offer, visit rac.com.au/ CaravanClubs
capability. Also check the warranty to see how much detail there is about the caravan’s capabilities and limitations.
If you’re considering modifications, such as suspension upgrades to make your black-top van more capable of tackling some off-road conditions, ensure you fully understand their limitations as well. Modifications and upgrades will only get you so far. True off-roaders are purpose-built for a range of extreme conditions and should be warranted as such.
If you notice signs of mould on your canvas tent, caravan awning or camper trailer tent, it’s essential to treat it immediately to prevent it from spreading, potentially damaging your tent and your health.
A simple way to treat mould is to spray the affected area with a mix of one-part
white vinegar and four-parts water. Leave it on for about one hour then rinse with water, scrubbing off the dead mould spores. Allow the fabric to dry completely before storing.
When you’re done, apply a waterproofing product to the tent fabric, which will also help to prevent mould.
Do you have a tip or hack you’d like to share? Email horizons@rac.com.au
It is not unusual to experience some degree of light sway when towing a caravan. However, if the intensity of the swaying motion begins to increase, things can escalate very quickly.
The violent rollovers often captured by the dashcams of other motorists are a reminder of how quickly caravan sway can turn into a disaster.
A number of factors can cause a caravan to sway, such as the weight it’s carrying being unevenly distributed, turbulence from large passing vehicles, incorrect tyre pressures, strong cross winds or sudden steering actions.
Scan the QR code to learn more about how to deal with and prevent caravan sway.
Claire and Jamie Farac take us on a stickybeak through their Design RV CRX 22ft Semi-Off Road.
They’ve made quite a few modifications to the van, including adding a lithium-ion battery and inverter system so they can go completely off-grid, and a telescopic table leg that allows the table to be moved and also turned into another bed.
To have a stickybeak through Claire and Jamie’s caravan, watch the video walk-through by scanning the QR code with your mobile phone’s camera.
Like to share a sticky beak through your caravan? Contact us at horizons@rac.com.au
Within easy driving distance of Perth, the Avon Valley is perfect for a cheeky weekend getaway. In spring, the slopes are vibrant with wildflowers, in summer the paddocks shine gold with wheat and canola. That said, the cooler months can be an ideal time to visit, with winter guaranteeing the valley will be lush with greenery and the river running fast enough for eager kayakers.
The region is packed with vintage treasures in the historic towns of Beverley, York, Northam, Goomalling and Toodyay, each of them no more than an hour apart. It’s easy to design your own itinerary to explore, knowing that having to hop between tourist spots won’t take a big chunk out of your day. If it’s history you’re after, you’ll find several museums telling stories of the valley’s inhabitants, from the Ballardong Nyoongar people who lived in the Avon region for thousands of years, through the first European settlers, to the motor enthusiasts of the twentieth century. These stories are also told across the heritage streets and the land itself, from
the peak of Mount Brown, along the Avon River, to the startling and starry nights. For adventure, take to the skies in a balloon above Northam. For culture, check out the surprising range of galleries at Beverley. For wildlife, rub shoulders and feathers with emus just outside of Toodyay. For accommodation, choose between glamping, bed and breakfasts and comfortably refitted hotels.
(via Beverley), Great Southern Highway Distance: (1hr 30min)
The drive east to Beverley is an ideal introduction to the sprawling plains of the Avon Valley. The easiest route is to pass through York, but if you’re after a more scenic trip, turn off the highway onto Yarra Road and follow Talbot West Road.
Located on the banks of the Avon River, Beverley is surprisingly vibrant for a tiny Wheatbelt town, with lots of arty nooks. The main street, which takes in a range of architectural styles from the art deco town hall to the striking geodesic dome
Northam is the home of hot air ballooning in WA, so early risers can start the day looking down on the stunning vistas of the Avon Valley.
of the local petrol station, has had a recent refresh and offers bakeries, boutiques, galleries, jewellery stores and an appealing op shop. While browsing, you can follow the mural and heritage trails.
At the community’s heart is the old Beverley train station (sadly no longer taking passengers). The federation building has been converted into the Station Arts Gallery, which hosts artists in residence from around the country and offers art classes, exhibitions and entertainment.
Wander a bit further down the main street — necessary if you’re completing the mural trail — and you’ll find the East End Gallery, run by a colourful couple exhibiting (among other things) some impressive sculptures crafted from scavenged ironworks.
The bakeries offer a quick and easy lunch, but if you’re after something fancier, the Freemasons Tavern has comfortable seating and an impressive menu.
On the way back to York, check out the Dead Finish Museum. Run by
the Beverley Historical Society, the museum is housed in what was once the Wheatsheaf Inn (dubbed the “dead finish” because it was usually where workers ran out of wages) and is packed with local history and trinkets.
York has a similar focus on the historical. Its Residency Museum has been a convict depot, a maternity ward and a family home for local magistrates. Today, it’s a rich source of local stories and histories especially those of the Traditional Custodians.
Five minutes out of town, the Mount Brown lookout offers the chance to be at the site of some of that history (as well as panoramic views of the Avon Valley), Mount Brown being the location of a Whadjuk Dreamtime story of tragic love and warring peoples. More recent history is on show at the Motor Museum on the main street, Avon Terrace. Based in an old Ford dealership and run by a community group, the museum is very much bigger on the
Located on the banks of the Avon River, Beverley is surprisingly vibrant for a tiny Wheatbelt town, with lots of arty nooks and activities.
inside. Expect a large collection of unique vehicles ranging from some of Australia’s oldest to its most culturally significant (including the ute Paul Hogan drove in the first Crocodile Dundee movie).
Accommodation in York ranges from caravan parks to four-star hotels, and dinner options are plentiful — the Imperial Homestead has a large alfresco area for families. After dinner entertainment is also available in the form of a ghost walking tour that will take you on a less predictable route around the main street’s heritage spots.
(via Goomalling)
Distance: 128km (1hr 30min)
Goomalling is about an hour’s drive through the flatlands, but worth a detour before winding your way to Northam. The tourist highlights are unconventional, to say the least. Top of the list is two pairs of grain storage domes cheekily named the Dolly Twins. Built in 1994,
they’re a striking, alien sight crouched on the very edge of the small town. In town, a small collection of shops is worth checking out, including a secondhand boutique packed with retro treasures. There’s also some impressive architecture in the form of the Masonic Hall and charmingly quirky houses with gardens full of outsider art. Lunch options are sparse, but café Lot 39 does a great brunch of toasties or granola and has plenty of gluten-free options.
Five minutes from Goomalling is the Slater Homestead. Derelict for three decades, this historic site — formerly an inn, schoolroom, and tearoom as well as a family home — was restored 20 years ago by the local shire and has since been run by volunteer Wendy. The homestead offers a glimpse of how tough and isolated life was for settlers in the Wheatbelt, while also being an extremely welcoming spot for a bed and breakfast. Open from April to October, the restored tearooms offer a selection of light lunches and scones.
On the half-hour journey back to Northam, stop off to photograph the colourful Northam Silo Art. Located on the Northam-Toodyay Road, these silos were the first in Australia to be decorated with painted murals and are now part of the Australian Silo Art Trail. Note that the silos are still in operation, so any photos will need to be taken from a distance.
End the day with a slow meander along Northam’s main street. An informative walking tour can be booked at the visitor’s centre, which will help you appreciate some of the many beautiful and historical facades, while the brutalist (and heritagelisted) architecture of the town’s library will give you something to debate over supper at the beautifully restored Temperance Bar.
If you’re after some glamorous accommodation, the Buckland Estate is a 15-minute drive along Irishtown Road. This Georgian manor is a little pocket of English gentility amid the wheat fields and features a pair of quaint cottages and 20 luxury glamping tents.
It’s a popular wedding destination, so make sure you book ahead. It’s also a great place for a bit of stargazing — and a 10-minute drive from Katrine Road, where astrophotographers go to escape the light pollution of the city.
Distance: 26km (21 min)
Northam is the home of hot air ballooning in WA, so early risers can start the day looking down on the stunning vistas of the Avon Valley. The ballooning season runs from April to November, but tickets tend to sell out quickly.
Come back down to earth at Bilya Koort Boodja, Northam’s Nyoongar cultural centre. Situated on the banks of the Avon (a short distance from the famous “swinging” suspension bridge and the Avon Descent’s starting tower), the centre houses an innovative and interactive
exhibition that combines striking visuals with a self-guided audio tour. You’ll be able to share in stories of Nyoongar people from the area and participate in a ‘yarning’ circle, where carefully positioned video screens allow you to sit and feel part of an important conversation.
It’s a 15-minute drive to the Free Range Emu Farm (reportedly the world’s oldest), where you can walk among the birds and pick up a few fun facts from owner Kip. The farm is open Friday to Sunday by appointment, but phone ahead. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with some national icons. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit Toodyay — it’s always Christmas. The Christmas 360 warehouse is open all year and, even in the off-season, tends to be packed with visitors looking for that festive feeling. Tinsel aside, Toodyay’s beautiful, arty and historic main street is a lovely spot
to spend a few hours. Lunch options include the classic charms of the Wendouree Tea Rooms (the oldest in the valley) or the uber-popular Toodyay Bakery, which does a roaring trade in pies on the weekend.
End the day by travelling back 150 years at the Newcastle Gaol (Toodyay was originally called Newcastle until postal confusion with the New South Wales town led to a rebranding). This complex of buildings includes the police stables, a shearing shed and the gaol itself, where you can learn about famed bushranger Moondyne Joe and find out what it was like to be locked up in one of the tiny, windowless cells.
It’ll take you just over an hour to drive back to Perth, but if you feel like enjoying the area’s quiet charms a bit longer, the Toodyay Manor, situated on the main street, offers a variety of homely rooms and a generous apartment.
Not all station stays are in the far north of the state. Venture to destinations within a day or two’s drive –or less – and get a taste of WA’s unique outback life.
Picture a station stay and what often comes to mind are vast, flat plains dotted with cattle and lots of them. Now shift your mind to a different view, one of sparkling ocean, sculpted rock formations, or riverside tree thickets. Take it further, and add four poster beds, artesian bore baths and multi-course dining experiences. In total, there are 11 stations offering tourism experiences across the Goldfields, Pilbara and Gascoyne-Murchison regions,
as well as along the Coral Coast, that are all part of the WA Station Stays collective (wastationstays.com.au).
Open seasonally, they provide a different option for those keen to travel closer to Perth.
1170km from Perth
Found between Coral Bay and Exmouth, Bullara reimagines the outback experience with four poster beds inside safari huts, cute bell tents and special dinners. Since April 2023, a Michelin-experienced husband and wife chef team have been holding long table dinners created using local fish from Exmouth and Shark Bay, and fruit and vegetables from Carnarvon.
“People always say there’s something very special about
the feeling here,” says Edwina Shallcross, who owns the droughtmaster cattle station with husband, Tim. Indeed, Exmouth locals will travel for 90min for each Friday’s Bullara grass-fed beef burger night. Overnight visitors can stay in cottages, Shearer’s Lodge rooms and pet-friendly powered or unpowered campsites. Meet the pet bull, stargaze, hike or dine at a repurposed 1920s shed, the Woolshed Café. You can also tackle four-wheel drive tracks to Exmouth Gulf for fishing and crabbing, or join stationorganised marine tours. How to get there Drive, or fly to Learmonth Airport then drive Best time to go May-August
Contact bullarastation.com.au
Cheela Plains Station, Pilbara
1432km from Perth
Less than 2.5hr drive from Karijini National Park, Cheela Plains Station is ribboned with ancient gorges, jagged rock formations and expansive hilltop vistas. The familyowned working cattle station is owned and run by Robin Pensini with husband, Evan. The station gardens are the first thing to buck expectations of a dusty, red-dirt destination. “We have lawns and trees – we see ourselves as a Pilbara oasis,” she says. “We also have a café with barista coffee open each day and a restaurant open at night so campers can order meals.”
Overnighters can stay in self-contained lodge accommodation, a family ensuite, air-conditioned donga quarters, or book into one of the 17 station tents. There is also a
centrally located communal campground and further-flung wilderness campsites for those who prefer seclusion.
The station campground is 1km off the main highway and is accessible by two-wheel drive.
How to get there Drive, or fly to Paraburdoo, Exmouth, Onslow or Karratha and hire a four-wheel drive
Best time to go June-July
Contact cheelaplains.com.au
Dirk Hartog Island, Shark Bay 822km from Perth
It’s hard to imagine sheep roaming the land on this former station, especially when you’re facing a turquoise ocean teeming with marine life. Dirk Hartog is WA’s largest island and sits at the westernmost point of Australia. The island’s last sheep were removed
in 2016, and since then, numerous native threatened and endangered species have been returned to the 63,000-hectare isle.
Kieran and Tory Wardle quit their pastoral business when Dirk Hartog Island was turned into a national park in 2009. These days, you can camp oceanside on communal or private sites, stay in an eco villa or spoil yourself at the rustic luxury eco lodge in ensuite rooms. Fill your days with snorkelling, marine safaris, self-drive or guided four-wheel drive adventures and more.
How to get there
Drive or fly to Shark Bay, then take your four-wheel drive on the barge across to the island. Scenic light aircraft can also land on Dirk Hartog. Best time to go April-June
Contact dirkhartogisland.com.au
Melangata Station, Gascoyne Murchison 548km from Perth
A priest monsignor who was also an architect designed the Melangata Station homestead in 1916 – before any of his churches were built – and today it’s possible to tour it, and even stay inside it.
Guests are fully catered to by owner and manager Jo Clews, whose cooking credentials see her run camp oven cooking classes throughout the season. Otherwise, stay in the campground with your own tent, camper trailer or caravan with access to flush toilets, hot showers and basic facilities.
While you’re there, join a guided tagalong tour of the station, looking at its regenerative efforts. “We’re only long-term leasing the land, so we want to leave it better than we found it,” says Jo. Wildflowers are a drawcard from August onwards but are dependent on rain. “When it happens it’s literally carpets everywhere, it’s amazing,” says Jo. “There’s a lot of things that impact what’s the best time of year to visit. The best thing to do is ring the station first and ask what conditions are like.”
How to get there Drive
Best time to go April-May and August-September
Contact melangatastationstay.com.au
Carnegie Station, Goldfields 1305km from Perth
This 500,000-hectare working cattle station lies about halfway between Perth and Alice Springs, bang in the
middle of WA. It’s the last station on the Gunbarrel Highway before open desert.
You might see dingos, wild brumbies and roaming camels, as well as mustering helicopters overhead (it’s big).
The birdlife is diverse and kangaroos create silhouettes at sunset. There is also a donkey, calves and sheep to pet. The outback station offers campsites and station rooms with a communal kitchen, and meals and fuel can be provided.
How to get there Drive
Best time to go June-September
Contact carnegiestn@gmail.com
Mt Augustus Tourist Park, Gascoyne Murchison 1038km from Perth
You can see what’s fondly called “the world’s biggest rock” from Mt Augustus Tourist Park. Mt Augustus, or Burringarrah in the Wajarri Aboriginal language, looms from the countryside, glowing cinnamon tones at sunset. It lends itself to the park’s annual event, which manager Lauren Vost says is worth the journey.
“We’ll hold Australia’s Biggest Barbeque on August 31 this year. It’s like a long table dinner and a chef comes,” she says. “It’s been going five years. We’ve had anywhere from 50 people, up to 200 people.”
Campers and caravanners can stay on powered, grassed sites or unpowered campsites. There’s also a range of onsite units accommodating singles, couples and families.
Everyone has access to a barbeque area, laundry and toilet facilities, hot shower
facilities and fuel and gas supplies. While away the days exploring the Mt Augustus loop drive, visit numerous lookouts, and ancient gnamma holes and go bush walking.
How to get there Drive
Best time to go May-August
Contact
mtaugustustouristpark.com
Murchison House Station, Kalbarri
574km from Perth
Only 12km from Kalbarri, this station stay is on one of the oldest pastoral leases in WA. The homestead was established in 1858, its shearers quarters were built by convicts and its shearing shed dates to the 1860s.
“Innovation, conservation and preservation are the three focuses of our business,” says custodian Belinda Carruth, who runs the now-rangeland goat station with husband, Callum. Visitors can stay at the dog-friendly homestead’s unpowered, two-wheeldrive-accessible campground, where there are toilets, showers and a camp kitchen, or fully self-contained bush campers can find their own piece of paradise beside the Murchison River. Numbers are limited to ensure seclusion.
Tours explore the station’s rock formations, its red dirt landscapes and native bush. The Murchison Experience tour treats you to gourmet meals in between river canoeing, or hop on a quadbike with Kalbarri Quadbike Safaris. Belinda says the location is hard to beat. “It’s so close to Kalbarri, there’s the historical aspect
and the wilderness – it’s a really varied landscape. We’ve got everything from coastal scrub to rocky gorge country.”
How to get there
Drive
Best time to go
June-September
Contact murchisonhousestation.com.au
Quobba Station, Ningaloo 966km from Perth
This desert-meets-the-sea property north of Carnarvon is split between the main homestead site, and its coastal outpost of Red Bluff. The latter is home to several large, hard-floored canvas eco tents on stilts, bare basics shacks and unpowered campsites – surfers especially love the curling waves right out front. The station has several accommodation options, from shearers quarters and cottages to beachfront chalets and self-contained houses, as well as caravan and bush camping sites – some powered, most unpowered. The station is on the southern edge of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park.
How to get there
Drive, or via Denham or Learmonth airports
Best time to go
May-September
Contact quobba.com.au
Warroora Station, Ningaloo
1077km from Perth
So close to the Ningaloo Coast you can almost touch it, Warroora’s focus is on swimming, fishing, snorkelling, and surfing adventures in the glass-clear waters. If salt water isn’t
for you, take a bushwalk or see what wildlife you can spot on observation expeditions.
You can stay in a variety of fully setup accommodation, from the homestead to the oceanview villa. The unpowered campsite has access to artesian toilets and showers. A small station shop sells firewood, ice, bait, ice-creams and basic supplies. The homestead can be accessed by two-wheel drive, weatherdepending, but otherwise you’ll need a four-wheel drive to access such remote beauty.
How to get there Drive, or fly to Learmonth Airport, then drive
Best time to go
April-October
Contact
warroora.com
Wooleen Station, Gascoyne Murchison
640km from Perth
For many, a visit to Wooleen is as much about perspective shifting as it is about soaking up the endless outback plains punctuated by river and rocky outcrops. “On our sunset tour, we’re focused on sharing an understanding of how to produce food on the rangelands,” says Frances Pollock, one half of the family-owned operation, with husband David. Our walking tours are focused on appreciating and connecting to country.”
Conservation and sustainability are top of the hierarchy here, and visitors leave with a far better understanding of what goes into producing their food. Accommodation ranges from a stay at the homestead under the same roof as your
hosts, to fully-equipped guesthouses, and a number of remote campsites – the only place dogs are welcome. Come for the wildflowers and stay for the birdlife and walks.
How to get there Drive
Best time to go May and August
Contact
wooleen.com.au
Wooramel River
Retreat, Shark Bay
774km from Perth
The Wooramel River runs mainly beneath the surface of this family-owned working cattle, sheep and goat station that stretches across 1430 square kilometres. A large chunk of it faces the Indian Ocean, with 60km of coastline on one edge. Visitors travel 2km off the North West Coastal Highway to get there and can stay in eco-cabin tents with real beds, well-equipped quarters and units, pre-set up tents, or dog-friendly, unpowered campsites with firepits.
There’s proper coffee and evening meals at the station café. Diverse birdlife, river walks and starry night skies are highlights, once you pull yourself away from the hot baths. They access artesian water that travels 240m to the surface and sits at approximately 33 degrees – the magnesium content is said to relax aching muscles.
How to get there
Drive, or fly to Denham and drive
Best time to go April-June
Contact wooramel.com.au
Explore the towering forest of Karri Valley, the magical caves of Busselton and the campfire flames under a starry night in Margaret River. The choice is yours. Book your stay with us.
1964 was a golden year for innovation when the Ford Motor Company introduced the Ford Mustang. By the end of the decade the design had evolved into the legendary Ford Mustang Mach I. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of this awesome muscle car, the ‘Ford Mustang Mach I Legendary Gold Edition’ is an officially licensed tribute available only from The Bradford Exchange. Every iconic detail is captured in this spectacular 1:12 scale commemorative replica, that at 40.5cm long is one of the largest collectable cars of its kind. Handcrafted and hand-painted in fine artist’s resin and, the body is finished in showroom-fresh golden tone and additional metal accents
capture the gleam of traditional chrome, along with replica Ford Mustang and Mach I logos. Limited to just 9,999 numbered editions, the Ford Mustang Mach I Legendary Gold Edition can be yours for just 5 instalments of $69.99 or $349.95, plus $19.99 postage and handling backed by our 365-day return policy for complete peace of mind. Just go to bradford.com.au/135800 now call 9841 3311 or return your coupon.
Many roads across Australia seem to be perpetually in a state of construction or upgrading. Well, a new technology is set to help reduce the amount of time traffic is congested by roadworks. The tech can be installed on road rollers that compact the foundations of a road and utilise 3D mapping and a sophisticated sensor system. The technology ensures that the right level of compaction is achieved the first time without the need to repeat the work. The tech is being used by the roads authority in the UK, where it’s claimed to be reducing emissions and restoring traffic flows earlier.
Upcycling has been taken to new stratospheric levels by a UK firm called Lunaz, which claims to have ‘upcycled’ a vintage Aston Martin DB6 to run on batteries and electric motors. Converting classic cars to run on batteries is nothing new, but Lunaz has added an interior made from materials that would otherwise have gone to waste. These include veneer sections made from egg and nut shells, plastic parts replaced with parts made from corn and wood fibres, and ‘alternative leather’ made from an apple by-product. They’ve only made one so far, but they probably won’t need to build many more, given the price tag of $1.25 million.
Are you in business and have some bright ideas about renewable energy and reducing harmful emissions in Western Australia? If so, it might pay to look through some of the Australian Government-provided innovation grants that are available in WA. Already in 2024, grants have been offered for innovators who can address energy efficiency in commercial fishing operations and organisations undertaking e-waste recycling projects, as well as improving the supply of safe drinking water for First Nations remote communities. For more information, go to business.gov.au
We compare the Nissan X-Trail with the Honda CR-V.
By Alex Forrest
If the Nissan X-Trail was a restaurant, it’d be reviewed as being good at the meat and potatoes with the odd standout dish, all without leaving its main customer base behind.
The Honda CR-V eatery will draw you in with a more lavish menu and cool decor, but with pricing to match. Neither will leave a terrible taste in your mouth, but if you have some special requests, there are some things you’ll want to know before ordering either of these.
Both the X-Trail and the CR-V remain in the top 10-selling affordable medium SUVs in WA – but only just. In 2023, the X-Trail was at number eight and the CR-V at number 10. That’s from a field of 24 direct competitors, putting them ahead of well-known segment players like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Escape. Are the X-Trail and CR-V worth keeping on your menu? Let’s tuck in and find out.
As with many medium-sized SUVs today, both the X-Trail and CR-V offer a form of electrification to reduce the amount of fuel they use. The X-Trail offers a petrol/electric hybrid option on all variants except the base model, whereas the CR-V’s hybrid is only available on the range-topping variant. So you need to spend an extra $4100 to get the CR-V hybrid, compared to the entry-level X-Trail hybrid. However, the Honda is hiding some tricks under its bonnet. Firstly, it uses less fuel (5.5L/100km) than the X-Trail (6.1L/100km). Secondly, the Honda only needs 91 RON petrol, which on average costs around 15 cents per litre less than the fuel needed in the X-Trail, being 95 RON. Over a year, the Honda will cost about $240 less in petrol, but it will also cost you $4060 extra up front.
On the road
While both are available as hybrids, the X-Trail and CR-V drive rather differently. The X-Trail’s e-Power system drives the wheels purely on electric motors, with no direct drive from the petrol engine. Instead, the battery powering those drive motors is recharged as required by the on-board 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. It’s no surprise that the X-Trail e-Power drives a lot like an electric car. The Honda CR-V runs a slightly more conventional hybrid system, where the 2.0-litre petrol engine is connected to two electric motors - one to charge the battery and one to drive the wheels. Despite the X-Trail’s more complicated drive system, it’s well executed and delivers EV-like performance while eliminating range anxiety. And remember, if you’re comparing hybrid versions, the X-Trail is all-wheel drive, but the CR-V is only front-wheel drive.
Safety and practicality
The Honda hadn’t been rated by ANCAP as we went to print, but it has had some of its safety features updated, such as the collision mitigation safety system, which Honda says is able to detect pedestrians at night as well as bicycles and motorcycles. The X-Trail has been rated by ANCAP at 5 stars. On both the X-Trail and CR-V, the spare tyre arrangement is dependent on the variant you choose. The X-Trail hybrid gets a repair kit only, whereas petrol-only versions get a space saver tyre. In the CR-V, seven-seater variants get a space saver, the hybrid can only fit a tyre repair kit, while the others get full-sized spare tyres.
Though not market leaders, both the Nissan X-Trail and the Honda CR-V are solid performers and in WA they were number seven and nine respectively for sales among 24 affordable mid-sized SUVs in the segment. However, with the Honda’s no-negotiation pricing arrangements, and with the hybrid only available on the range-topping variant with front-wheel drive only, we’d be going for the X-Trail, which offers the hybrid in three model grades, with all-wheel drive and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
SAFETY RATING
Electric vehicles have been growing in more ways than just the number of them on our roads.
They’re also growing in size, there’s more to choose from and more are coming. And while big EVs aren’t especially new to Australian roads –the seven-seat Tesla Model X arrived here back in 2017 – nowadays there’s a more diverse selection of them.
The latest to arrive is the Kia EV9. Classified as an upper large electric SUV, the EV9 can seat seven people and has a quoted battery range of up to 512km, depending on which variant you choose.
Clearly, the EV9 is set to extend the appeal of EVs to those who need more space in their vehicle. But those customers will also need to have more cash to spend than most.
Pricing for the EV9 starts from $109,690 for the entry-level Air variant, moving up to $122,920 for the mid-spec Earth and topping out at $142,990 for the range-topping GT-Line. The latter is just $8,600 short of the electric BMW iX xDrive40 – though that’s not a seven-seater.
On the road, even the base model’s performance with its single motor is brisk. As with many larger EVs, its ride is supple – as you might expect with a vehicle weighing 2300kg, including a 460kg battery.
There is no shortage of tech in the EV9 and it could be argued there’s a little too much, given the amount of attention that needs to be paid to the touchscreen for some functions.
But the EV9 stands to displace other large internal combustion seven-seater SUVs that are often used for carting kids and shopping around urban areas, and that’s a good thing given this is where most vehicle emissions occur.
The range-topping EV9 GT-Line will be impressive for its extra performance, but apart from that, it’s a big price premium for what are otherwise mostly superficial additions compared to the Air.
Remember when little cars like the Mazda2 were everywhere? Nowadays, as new car buyer preferences increasingly move towards SUVs, cars like this are disappearing.
In 2013, there were 36 different light car models available for sale in Australia, accounting for more than 130,000 sales. In 2023, there were only 13 light car models available, generating 38,638 sales.
So you might describe the Mazda2 as a survivor, one that plays an important role in keeping quality, cheap to run small cars available for those who don’t want the extra size and cost of an SUV – even a small one.
Pricing for the Mazda2 starts at $26,219 for the six-speed manual, with the auto at $28,275. It was so refreshing to road test a small, nimble and economical car such as the Mazda2, which slots into parking spaces with ease and doesn’t elicit concerns about fuel consumption.
With the non-GR Toyota Yaris now available only as a hybrid and starting from $32,190, the Mazda2 has few direct competitors nowadays.
Against the closer rivals that comprise the Suzuki Swift and MG3, the Mazda is pricier but clearly the better finished of the three.
In the second half of 2023, Mazda refreshed the looks of its smallest car, which included an updated front grille and bumper design, and a new wheel design for the GT model.
More importantly, the current Mazda2 is now more economical than its predecessor, getting 5.0L/100km compared to the previous model’s 5.3L/100km, where auto hatches are compared.
This generation of the Mazda2 arrived in 2014, and it was rated by ANCAP in 2017, meaning that rating is now out of date due to ANCAP’s policy of expiring ratings more than six years old.
That all said, the Mazda2 remains a quality, sub-$30,000 option for those wanting a new small car that’s not an SUV.
ENGINE 1.5-litre petrol POWER 81kW @ 6000rpm
142Nm @ 3500rpm
FUEL ECONOMY 5.0L/100km
PRICE from $28,270 drive away*
ANCAP SAFETY RATING Not rated *Pure auto
Q My 2013 Ford Fiesta has had the transmission replaced three times since 2018. In 2020 I took it into Ford reporting shuddering and a rattling noise, but they said it was not significant enough to be replaced. Now all the problems have worsened. Ford told me it will cost $7000. Is it worth pursuing further?
Rebekah, Dawesville
AYour experience is likely to be related to the declaration made by the Federal Court in 2018 that Ford had engaged in unconscionable conduct in the way it dealt with complaints about its PowerShift transmission cars. In the first instance, we would recommend following the guidance on the ACCC website on how to have Ford rectify this problem once and for all.
QAt the recent 100,000km service for my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, the service advisor said the “valley hose” needed to be replaced at a cost of $1871.00. Can you provide any information on this hose, and if it is so important, why would Jeep not include it in the maintenance schedule?
Lynette, Bluff Point
AWhile this is an important component for keeping the turbo cool, and it may indeed need replacing, we would recommend getting a quote for this work from at least two other independent automotive workshops. This will provide you with some perspective on whether the work does need to be done immediately, and what other providers are charging for it.
QI drive an automatic 2010 Hyundai Elantra. When the low fuel level warning comes on, roughly how many kilometres can I drive before I need to refuel?
Janice, South Bunbury
AThe distance you can drive after the low fuel light goes on will vary depending on how the car is being driven (such as in urban areas or at highway speeds), and how the sensor for the fuel warning light has been calibrated. As a very general statement, you can expect to have at least 50km of range after the fuel light goes on, but we would strongly recommend filling up soon after the light goes on rather than risk being stuck by the side of the road.
RAC members can take advantage of our Auto Advice Line. If you have a motoring question, call 6150 6199 Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm to speak to one of our experts.
Send us your question for the Car Doctor and if it’s published, you’ll receive a $50 fuel voucher to use at any Puma and Caltex locations Australia-wide, thanks to RAC Member Benefits.
Send your questions to editor@rac.com.au or post to The Car Doctor, Horizons, GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839
Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number with your question.
If your question is chosen for publication, please allow up to eight weeks for delivery. See page 81 for terms and conditions of entry.
With around one-third of the Alaskan state lying in the Arctic Circle, and a landscape that ranges from forests and fjords to glaciers and rugged mountain ranges, Alaska is one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
And undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience its raw beauty is on a cruise.
Cruising means you’ll see sights that can’t be reached by road, while shore excursions will get you up close to Alaska’s natural wonders and its diverse cultural communities.
The Alaskan cruise season runs from late April to October, with July and August being the most popular months. Picking when to go will depend on what you want to see. For example, September is one of the best times to experience the Northern Lights. Choosing the right cruise line and
Two-thirds (68%) of RAC members have either personally experienced a burglary (38%) and/or know someone well who has been burgled (34%), according to RAC’s 2023 Home Security Survey.
Surprisingly, almost 58 per cent of those people did nothing to improve their home security following the break-in.
More than 3,400 members completed our Security Survey, providing feedback on a range of home security issues.
To find out more about what they said, visit rac.com.au/SecuritySurvey
ship size is also important. Smaller ships can get you closer to some natural wonders, such as glaciers, while larger vessels have more on-board facilities.
To make the most of your Alaskan holiday, consider extending your time away with a pre- or postcruise land tour through Canada, including a train journey on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer.
RAC’s travel consultants can make planning your Canada and Alaska travel experience seamless, with expert advice on cruising, land, and rail journeys.
To find out more, call 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/travel
38% personally experienced a burglary 34% know someone who has been burgled 58% did nothing to improve their home security
If you’re an electric vehicle (EV) owner, all RAC Auto Services centres in the Perth metropolitan area now have technicians trained in EV servicing.
Our Essentials Service for EVs includes a full brake check, a report on the condition of the auxiliary battery, a top up of fluids, tyre balancing and rotation, and a comprehensive safety check.
If your EV is still under warranty, we can also perform a logbook service that meets all new vehicle warranty requirements.
Plus, members save 10 per cent off labour on all vehicle services.
EV servicing is available at RAC’s 10 Auto Services centres in the Perth metropolitan area.
If you’re interested in buying a second-hand EV, we can also complete a pre-purchase inspection for you, which includes a full report on the vehicle’s general condition and safety components, plus a car history report valued at $36.95, included for free.
To book a service or vehicle inspection, visit rac.com.au/ autoservices
Enjoy cosy fires and all the culinary highlights of WA’s Southern Forests region on our all-inclusive Winter Wonders Food and Farm Tour.
The three-day tour includes two nights lakeside at RAC Karri Valley Resort, all meals, six all-inclusive behind-thescenes food and farm experiences with local producers, gourmet food and wine tastings, plus a local tour host. Also included is transportation to and from Perth and all connections so you can leave the car behind and just enjoy the experience. And RAC members save 10 per cent.
To book or find out more, visit rac.com.au/WinterWonders
It was just after World War II when teenager Judith Goyder sat her driving test at the Northam Police Station. Getting her licence was especially important to Judith, as it would enable her to transport her mother, who was unwell at the time, from their farming property into the town for appointments and shopping.
From driving a Hudson Terraplane in 1945 through to a Hyundai i30 in 2023, Judith has maintained an excellent driving record.
Now at 94 years of age and after 78 years of driving in both regional and metropolitan WA, RAC member Judith has finally hung up her car keys.
Her memory of life on the roads in 1940s WA was that it was “much slower and much less stressful.” Today, the two driver behaviours she finds most annoying are “tailgaters and people who cut in front of you.” Judith and her husband, Ian, have both been RAC members for more than 50 years.
ietnam Veterans hold a unique place in the Anzac legend – enduring as much on as off the battlefield – and are truly deserving of our respect. From the beginning Vietnam polarised public opinion as it quickly became apparent that unlike any other war, this one would be documented nightly on our televisions. Seeing war in all its brutality horrified civilians as the casualties mounted – raising serious questions about Australia’s role in Vietnam. Caught squarely in the middle of this political crossfire were our Diggers. Unwitting victims of a war nobody understood or wanted, they were spat at,
abused, and denied return servicemen status once back on Australian soil, making many retreat from society. When finally given the recognition they deserved in 1987 - their sacrifice and bravery rightly acknowledged - they stood shoulder to shoulder with our Anzac heroes of Gallipoli, Kokoda, Korea and more recent conflicts. That recognition is now immortalised in this ‘Call of Duty Commemorative’ golden proof coin from The Bradford Exchange. Struck to a high specification, layered in pure 24-carat gold, and one of only 9,999 numbered issues to be minted, it is available now for only $39.99 – A SAVING OF $50.00 – plus
$9.99 p&h. Due to limited numbers, only the earliest responders can secure this commemorative proof coin, along with a Certificate of Authenticity detailing important information about the coin itself. Collector interest has been piqued by this coin and early sell out has been predicted. For this reason, orders will be processed on a strictly first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one per household. Order now for just $39.99 (plus $9.99 p&h) to receive priority access to further coins in the ‘Collection’. emember, you ar under no obligation to keep any commemorative you
don’t love - simply cancel at any time by calling 02 9841 3311 – collect ing as many or as few as you like using our Risk-Free Subscription Plan. This makes ordering easy and convenient, ensuring the second and subsequent issues in the collection will be sent to you automatically at regular intervals for just $89.99 plus p+h. Future issues to include ‘Commitment –Long Tan’ and ‘Heroism – Tra Bong’. Lest we forget, go to bradford.com.au/135801 now, call 02 9841 3311 or return your coupon.
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As well as beating any competitor’s price, we’ll give you an extra 5% discount with your RAC membership card!
60 Day Price Promise
If you find a lower advertised price within 60 days of purchasing a Retravision product, we’ll refund 120% of the difference!
These are just some of the great reasons to make Retravision your number one destination for everything electrical!
Buy now, pay later Access easy and affordable finance options with interest-free repayments. It’s the stress-free way to shop at Retravision.
Laubman & Pank have teamed up with the RAC so members can enjoy great savings on a range of leading optical products. 20% OFF LENSES & LENS EXTRAS* 25%
*When purchased as part of a complete pair (frame and lenses). +Receive 25% off sun lenses and lens extras when purchased as part of a complete pair (frame and lenses). Brand exclusions and further T&Cs apply, see staff for details.
Don’t let the flu catch you. Book your flu vaccination at one of Wizard Pharmacy’s many locations across WA.
We’ve all experienced that dreadful feeling of getting in your car only to find out your battery is flat. Luckily West Aussie company iTechworld has designed a portable jump starter to get you on your way within seconds. Designed to easily jump start any vehicle with a flat battery, the JS80 will jump start your car, boat or motorbike at the press of a button. With a massive 3000 starting amps, the JS80 will start any vehicle, no matter how big or small. With seven inbuilt safety features, jump starting is safer than ever before. With the JS80, you no longer have to rely on clumsy jumper cables or other vehicles, allowing you to explore further with peace of mind. The JS80 will jump start a vehicle up to 40 times
from one charge and hold its charge for six months all while sitting happily in a glove box awaiting use. Once your vehicle is back up and running, the JS80 will continue to be your best friend on the road as it can easily run your 12v fridge and charge your mobile devices.
As a proud Western Australian company, iTechworld are offering RAC Horizons subscribers with an exclusive discount code to use across their entire range of power solutions. Simply use the code ‘RAC5’ at checkout online, in-store or over the phone to claim your 5% discount.
IP65 waterproof & dustproof
3000 cranking amps
Runs a 12v fridge for up to 6 hours
After
the
When a shocking turn of events shifts her to the other side of the witness stand, defence barrister Tessa must confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof, and morals diverge.
Enjoy your life with improved hearing! You will be able to hear your family, your friends, the TV & telephone and in group settings much more clearly with this new 2024 hearing aid technology.
No one will know that you are wearing a hearing aid
Introducing our brand-new 2024 hearing aid technology that was designed in Europe and is made for your exact ear size and hearing loss. It’s so small it can fit deep inside your ear canal, it begins where other hearing aids end. This makes it virtually invisible to anyone else.
$600 OFF* Every Hearing Aid Purchased. FOR RAC MEMBERS The Hearing Aid Specialists
With our new 2024 voice clarifying hearing aids, you will absolutely hear the difference!
Not sure if you require a hearing aid or which one is right for you? Want to know how they look and feel? Why not request an appointment for a FREE hearing test and hearing aid consultation with an in-clinic demonstration? You will instantly be able to hear clearly. This New Invisible Hearing Aid is virtually undetectable!
You can now stream Directly from your mobile phone to some models of hearing aids giving you crystal clear hearing. *Conditions Apply.
6311 Cannington Duncraig Nedlands Rockingham email: info@hearingloss.net.au web: www.hearingloss.net.au ORIGINAL PRICE $2,199 NOW AFTER DISCOUNT $1,599ea Less Private Health Insurance Refunds
Book in today to receive your Special RAC Discount
Members save up to 20% on mobility scooters, wheelchairs, lift chairs and adjustable beds
Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: one $50 fuel voucher to use in one transaction at any Puma/Caltex location Australia-wide. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, telephone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize, they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in June-August 2024 Horizons must claim their prize by 18 July 2024. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy and security statement and group privacy policy.
Entrants may submit more than one entry. One entrant (winner) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance valued at $199. If the winner already has Roadside Assistance, the Classic Roadside Assistance will be applied as credit to their account until their cover runs out. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, phone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize, they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in June-August 2024 Horizons must claim their prize by 18 July 2024. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy and security statement and group privacy policy.
The Royal Automobile Club of WA (INC) 832 Wellington Street, West Perth GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 T: 13 17 03 W: rac.com.au
Member Service Centres – Metropolitan CAROUSEL Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Highway
DIANELLA Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade
MANDURAH Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way
WEST PERTH (Head Office) 832 Wellington Street
Member Service Centres – Regional ALBANY 110 Albany Highway
BUNBURY Primewest Centrepoint SC, 60 Blair Street
GERALDTON Shop 8, Stirlings Central SC, 54 Sanford Street
KALGOORLIE 51-53 Hannan Street
Travel Centres
CAROUSEL Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Highway T: 6150 6454
DIANELLA Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade T: 6150 6455
JOONDALUP Shop T31, Lakeside Joondalup SC, 420 Joondalup Drive T: 6150 6477
WEST PERTH (Head Office) 832 Wellington Street T: 9436 4830
facebook.com/RACWA instagram.com/RACWA editor@rac.com.au
Matagarup
Mini Golf
Burswood
Perth’s newest and biggest mini golf course opened in February this year. The 18-hole course is dotted with replicas of WA icons, including a mini Pinnacles, a mini Horizontal Falls and even a mini replica of Matagarup Bridge that you’ll need to get your ball across. Matagarup Mini Golf is on Camfield Drive in Burswood.
Yallingup Maze
Mini Golf
Yallingup
This award-winning mini golf course at the Yallingup Maze is centred around a large water feature with six waterfalls. Winding its way through landscaped gardens, it’s a challenging course for adults but one that can equally be enjoyed by children. A licensed café is also on site with both indoor dining and an al fresco area.
Amaze
Miniature Park
Mandurah
Everything is a little bit ‘mini’ at Amaze Miniature Park. In addition to more than 70 replica miniature buildings and scale
model trains, there’s a 12-hole mini golf course which you can play as part of your admission to the park. Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
Par 3
Busselton
The 18-hole mini golf course at Par 3 in Busselton is a favourite with local mini golf enthusiasts. The course features two difficulty levels: ‘Challenging’ and ‘Outrageous’. Its lush, landscaped fairways make it one of WA’s most impressive mini golf courses. There’s also a café and bar for pre- or post-game refreshments.
Bicton
Not far from the Swan River and set amongst a canopy of trees at Point Walter Golf Course, Goanna Golf describes itself as one of the ‘most challenging in Australia’ so be prepared. After you’ve navigated the tricky obstacles on this 18-hole course, stay on and relax in the Grass Lands Bar & Café.
Wembley Mini Golf
Wembley
If you want your mini golf experience to
literally be a shrunkdown version of the main game, Wembley Mini Golf is the place to be. Located at the Wembley Golf Course, the 18-hole course is a small-scale version of a regular course, including sand traps and water features. After the game, head to 300 Acres Restaurant and Bar for lunch or dinner.
Collier Park
Mini Golf
Como
As with the Wembley course, Collier Park Mini Golf is based on the design of a full 18-hole course. Part of the Collier Park community hub, the course caters to all abilities, with the option to play three flags per hole and the first nine holes accessible to wheelchairs and prams.
Old Coast Road Brewery
Myalup
In addition to its great food and beverage offerings, at the Old
Coast Road Brewery in Myalup, you can also tee off on their landscaped mini golf course. It’s WA wonders-themed course features a different WA attraction at each hole. The brewery is located on a 60-acre property off West Break Road in Myalup.
Masonmill
Mini Golf
Perth Hills
In addition to a restaurant, bar and function centre, the expansive gardens at the multi-venue Masonmill complex at Carmel are also home to an 18-hole mini golf course. Enjoy refreshments from the licensed kiosk as you make your way around. The course is also lit up at night, so you can stay and play as the sun goes down.
Botanic Gardens
Wanneroo
Set on the shores of Lake Joondalup,
Wanneroo Botanic Gardens and its mini golf course were opened in 1981 after seven years of hard work and thousands of tree plantings by Dutch landscape architect Theo Puik and his wife Hanneke. Today, you can enjoy the picturesque gardens as you make your way around one of Australia’s largest outdoor mini golf courses.
Do you have an idea for the Ten Best? Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au
Enjoy open roads ahead and peace of mind with comprehensive motorcycle insurance that covers your bike, helmet, protective clothing and personal belongings.*
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